Origin and Size

The Genealogical Society of Utah has been collecting genealogical records for its visitors since 1894.  In 1938, the Society began microfilming  genealogical records internationally.  Eventually, this work gave rise to the Family History Library, whose collection includes the equivalent of over six million written volumes.

Types of Genealogy Records

The Family History Library's diverse collection includes:

• Compiled sources (like family histories, genealogies and databases)
• Original records (like census records, marriage registers, wills, deeds, passenger lists, naturalizations, military pensions, and christenings).

For an example of the library's record types for a single U.S. state, click here.

Localities Covered

While most visitors are awed by the size of the Family History Library's collection, its most unique aspect is the wide range of localities that it covers. Unlike libraries whose records are limited to a single county, state, or region, the Family History Library collects genealogical and historical records worldwide. Thus, it houses a fine collection of records for the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, Latin America, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and many other areas.  Such a wide-ranging collection is especially helpful in researching families who migrated overseas or from state to state.

Time Span of Records

Most of the library's records date from 1500 to 1920.  However, there are exceptions.  The Library's genealogies date to the present day. In addition, some city, county, and state vital records or vital records indexes continue to the late 1900s.

Growth

The Family History Library's genealogical collection grows at a massive rate -- 50,000 microfilms, 25,000 microfiche, and 12,000 books per year.

Branch Libraries

The library has thousands of branches worldwide (over 3,500 as of October 2001). Visitors at these Family History Centers can use most of the Library's records by ordering microfilmed copies to their local center for a few dollars apiece.   

Library Catalog

To learn what records the Family History Library has for the locality where your ancestor lived, search the Family History Library Catalog.  The catalog is available at:

• FamilySearch Internet. See  www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp.

• Family History Centers. For the address of your nearest center, see www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp.

• A Windows 95 compact disc.  To order, click here. 

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